This time we will analyze the AFC North, a division from which great things are expected this season!!
Baltimore Ravens
Key Arrivals
G D.J. Fluker
DE Derek Wolfe
DT Calais Campbell
Key Departures
TE Hayden Hurst
OT James Hurst
G Marshal Yanda
DT Michael Pierce
DT Chris Wormley
LB Josh Bynes
CB Brandon Carr
S Tony Jefferson
Best Draft Picks
Patrick Queen, LSU, ILB (Rd 1)
J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State, RB (Rd 2)
Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M, DT (Rd 3)
Devin Duvernay, Texas, WR (Rd 3)
Malik Harrison, Ohio State, ILB (Rd 3)
Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State, OT (Rd 3)
Ben Bredeson, Michigan, OG (Rd 4)
Analysis
Baltimore was the surprise of last season, mainly due to the great season that their quarterback Lamar Jackson had. Jackson is expected to continue with his great game and should be even more dangerous with the new weapons that have arrived via draft such as running back JK Dobbins.
The defense was also strengthened through the draft and free agency, so a more solid defense is expected. This will provide great support to the offense and will make this team a serious contender for the Super Bowl and absolute favorite to win the AFC North.
2020 Projection: 11-5
Cincinnati Bengals
Key Arrivals
G Xavier Su’a-Filo
DT D.J. Reader
LB Josh Bynes
CB Trae Waynes
S Vonn Bell
Key Departures
QB Andy Dalton
TE Tyler Eifert
OT Cordy Glenn
DT Andrew Billings
LB Nick Vigil
CB Darqueze Dennard
CB Dre Kirkpatrick
Best Draft Picks
Joe Burrow, LSU, QB (Rd 1)
Tee Higgins, Clemson, WR (Rd 2)
Logan WilsonWyoming, ILB (Rd 3)
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State, OLB (Rd 4)
Analysis
The Bengals are in total reconstruction and have started with the most important position, the QB…
Andy Dalton left and then with the first global pick in the 2020 Draft arrived Joe Burrow, who broke all records for a QB last season in the NCAA.
Burrow comes to a team with a great receiving corps, but with many doubts. AJ Green and John Ross are coming from strong injuries that sidelined them for a lot of games last season. Green hasn’t played in almost two years. The most consistent option is Tyler Boyd, who has been the team’s best receiver the last two years and looks like the main target for him.
The defense is still incomplete, several pieces are missing to be a good unit. That said, I think they will improve step by step. This season will still be very difficult for them, but I think that in a couple of years they could already be competitive in the AFC North if Burrow meets expectations.
* 2020 Projection: 5-11
Cleveland Browns
Key Arrivals
QB Case Keenum
FB Andy Janovich
TE Austin Hooper
OT Jack Conklin
DE Adrian Clayborn
DT Andrew Billings
LB B.J. Goodson
S Karl Joseph
S Andrew Sendejo
Key Departures
OT Greg Robinson
G Justin McCray
LB Joe Schobert
CB T.J. Carrie
S Damarious Randall
S Morgan Burnett
Best Draft Picks
Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama, OT (Rd 1)
Grant Delpit, LSU, S (Rd 2)
Jordan Elliott, Missouri, DT (Rd 3)
Jacob Phillips, LSU, ILB (Rd 3)
Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic, TE (Rd 4)
Analysis
Cleveland was a major disappointment last season, they have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. However, they didn’t work as a team and that cost Freddy Kitchens his Head Coach position. For this season Kevin Stefansky arrives to take the reins of this team and it is expected that he will get the best of the QB Baker Mayfield and all the offense.
On the defensive side, they lost their leader Joe Schobert. I think they will manage to overcome his absence and will be a solid unit. Solid enough to give the team the opportunity to compete.
In talent, they have everything to be in the playoffs but now is for their coaching staff to bring all individual talents together and turn them into a true team.
* 2020 Projection: 10-6
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Arrivals
FB Derek Watt
TE Eric Ebron
C/G Stefen Wisniewski
DT Chris Wormley
Key Departures
G Ramon Foster
DT Javon Hargrave
LB Mark Barron
S Sean Davis
Best Draft Picks
Chase Claypool, Notre Dame, WR (Rd 2)
Alex Highsmith, Charlotte, OLB (Rd 3)
Anthony McFarland Jr., Maryland, RB (Rd 4)
Kevin Dotson, Louisiana, OG (Rd 4)
Analysis
The Steelers were hit hard by injuries last season, starting with the leader of this team, QB Ben Roethlisberger. This caused the offense to malfunction for most of the season.
The entire defense put the team on their shoulders and carried them all season. If they can maintain that kind of intensity and the offensive take back has good level with the return of Big Ben, I do believe that the Steelers will get into the fight for the AFC North title and have a place in playoffs.
* 2020 Projection: 10-6
